Peytons continue tradition at The Store

 

 

By Shari Harris

Publisher

The Store has returned again this year as an alternative meal source for Licking High School and Junior High School students. The business has become a tradition for generations of Licking High School students, and is also open to the public, accepting call-in and text orders.

Brad and Debbie Peyton bought the business from the Ingrams in March. Brad likes to cook, and Debbie works the counter, with the help of a few students who pitch in for a few minutes of their lunch break for a free meal. The Peytons retired to Roby from Texas, to be closer to their daughter, who lives in Plato. Debbie had worked as a Technology Director at a school in Texas, so she is used to working with students. Brad enjoys interacting with the youth also, and is looking forward to becoming a substitute bus driver in the afternoons.

Despite the summer school break, the Peytons spent a lot of time at the business this year. Painting, new LED lights, and deep cleaning (both in the front and back) kept them busy while the students were gone.

“The kitchen’s working pretty good,” Brad says. But he has more plans for updating the building, including changing the floor and working on the exterior.

Brad comes in at 7 a.m. to get ready for the day. Debbie arrives around 9:30 a.m., well before the student rush. Their hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but they may expand those if the need arises, to include breakfast.

“If the lights are on, come on in,” welcomes Brad. He’s eager to adapt to the needs of the community and the school, and also asks for suggestions on their menu.

Currently they are serving about 30 to 40 junior high students and 50 to 60 high school students each day, and Brad says there has even been a line out the door.

Brad cooks consistently during the school lunch breaks, beginning about 5 to 10 minutes before the students arrive to ensure their order is hot and freshly prepared.

For the public, they offer dine-in, carryout and delivery, but be aware that Junior High lunch is 10:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. and High School lunch is 11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Delivery is available from 11:20 to 11:40 a.m., or after 12:20 p.m. on the days that school is in session, or any time on the days when school is closed. They ask that you call or text before 10:30 a.m. for 11:20 deliveries. For carryout, you can come in to pick up your order, or pull up outside and call for curbside pickup.

Along with the standard grill orders, you can also get chicken wraps, bosco sticks, chicken salad, taco salad, pizza and more. Their bacon is real, they make their own hamburger patties, and they season their fries. They even make their own taco bowls for their taco salads.

The Peytons plan to stay open during school breaks and next summer, so stop by, grab a menu and see what they offer. For many it may be a step back in time, and they may remember Lee Breeden dashing behind the counter to deliver an entree hot from the kitchen, or perhaps Brenda Rinne greeting them with a smile. The Peytons are dedicated to carrying on a tradition that many previous owners have established before them.

To reach The Store, call 573-889-8434. The Store even takes credit cards, but a service charge of 3.99% is applied. Cash is their preferred method of payment. They are located at 108 College Avenue, Licking, directly south of the High School’s central parking lot.